Why is Mount Tamalpais called that?
A true story near Mill Valley, CA, told for kids 6-8.
Read along
Look out the window! See that big mountain with the bumpy top? That's Mount Tamalpais. Most people just call it Mount Tam. But why such a long, twisty name? Let's say it together. Tam-al-PIE-iss! It sounds a little like a pie, but sorry, nobody can eat this mountain.
The name comes from the Coast Miwok people. They lived here long, long before there were roads or cars. In their language, they called it Támal Pájiṣ. And guess what that means? West hill! That's it. A big, simple name, like calling your dog Dog. Now, some people tell a story that the mountain looks like a sleeping lady lying down.
It's fun to look for her shape! But that story was made up much later. It's not a real Miwok story. So here's your job. Look at the mountain and shout its real meaning together. West hill! Woo-hoo!
Quiz the back seat
What does the name Tamalpais mean?
Show the answer
West hill. West hill! The name was first written down a long time ago, but the Coast Miwok people named it first.
3 fun facts
- Mount Tamalpais comes from the Coast Miwok name támal pájiṣ, meaning "west hill."
- The name Tamalpais was first recorded in 1845.
- The "Sleeping Lady" legend is not a real Coast Miwok story. It was made up much later.
Questions kids ask
- What does Tamalpais mean?
- It comes from the Coast Miwok words támal pájiṣ, which mean "west hill."
- Who named Mount Tamalpais?
- The name comes from the Coast Miwok people, who lived in this area long before roads and cars.
- Is Mount Tam named after a sleeping lady?
- No, the Sleeping Lady story was made up much later and is not a real Coast Miwok story.
For grown-ups
Written with AI from public sources, then checked claim by claim against the sources below before it was published; stories that don't pass stay off the app and this site. Narration is pre-recorded, and nothing you do on this page is tied to your kids.
Sources
More stories in Mill Valley
The Crookedest Railroad in the World
Choo choo! Right here in downtown Mill Valley, where the bookstore and café are, there used to be a train station!
The Giant Redwoods
Okay, explorers, use your quiet voices. We're coming into Muir Woods, a forest of giant redwood trees.
Why It's Called Mill Valley
Here's a riddle. Why is our town called Mill Valley?
The Mud Buffet for Birds
Peep peep! Look out the window at Pickleweed Inlet.Roads
Town and county names: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0).